System and method for interactive virtual banking

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented interactive virtual banking system and method for connecting a user environment with a banking environment for facilitating banking transactions. The system may include a computer memory storing a plurality of banking application programs and an interactive virtual environment generator for generating an interactive virtual banking environment, the environment including visual and audio components. The system may additionally include a user input sensing mechanism for accepting and interpreting user voice input received in the interactive virtual banking environment and computer processing components for accessing the stored banking application programs and executing the stored banking programs within the generated interactive virtual banking environment enabling the user to perform banking tasks through voice input to the interactive virtual banking environment.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/297,475, filed on Nov. 16, 2011.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention are related to systems and methods forfacilitating an interactive virtual banking experience enabling accountholders to have a real time banking experience in a variety ofenvironments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While many banking customers now perform a multitude of banking tasksonline, the online experience can be frustrating for some users and toolimiting for other users. Users still are often compelled to travel toconduct banking tasks in person due to the limitations of onlinebanking.

For example, while it is now commonplace to make transfers or writechecks through a bank web site, the experience has limited scope asaccount holders typically do not receive personal feedback during thesetransactions or confirmations after these transactions.

Furthermore, while loan applications are now often available online,users are often unable to complete them without explanation orinteraction. The level of explanation and interaction necessary forcompletion is typically not available through a financial institutionwebsite.

Additionally, current interfaces available for online banking typicallyrequire input through a keyboard, thus limiting the use of mobiledevices and non-traditional computing devices for such applications.

Accordingly, a solution is needed for enhancing the remote bankingexperience for users currently conducting banking remotely andfurthermore for attracting users who do not yet engage in remote bankingbecause of the difficulties described above or other difficultiesencountered during the use of currently available remote bankingsystems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented interactivevirtual banking method is provided for connecting a user environmentwith a banking environment for facilitating banking transactions. Thesystem may include a computer memory storing a plurality of bankingapplication programs and an interactive virtual environment generatorfor generating an interactive virtual banking environment. Theenvironment includes visual and audio components. The systemadditionally includes a user input sensing mechanism for accepting andinterpreting user voice input received in the interactive virtualbanking environment and computer processing components for accessing thestored banking application programs and executing the stored bankingprograms within the generated interactive virtual banking environmentenabling the user to perform banking tasks through voice input to theinteractive virtual banking environment.

In an additional aspect of the invention, a computer-implementedinteractive virtual banking method is provided for connecting a userenvironment with a banking environment for facilitating bankingtransactions. The method may include storing a plurality of bankingapplication programs in a computer memory and generating an interactivevirtual banking environment using a virtual environment generator. Theinteractive virtual banking environment may include visual and audiocomponents. The method further includes sensing user voice input intothe interactive virtual banking environment using a user input sensingmechanism for accepting and interpreting user voice input received inthe interactive virtual banking environment. The method may additionallyinclude accessing the stored banking application programs and executingthe stored banking programs within the generated interactive virtualbanking environment enabling the user to perform banking tasks throughvoice input to the interactive virtual banking environment.

In yet an additional aspect of the invention, a computer-implementedinteractive virtual banking method is provided for connecting a userenvironment with a banking environment for facilitating bankingtransactions. The method includes storing a plurality of bankingapplication programs in a computer memory and generating an interactivevirtual banking environment using a virtual environment generator. Theinteractive virtual banking environment includes a three-dimensionalholographic rendering of home bank branch of the user, audio cuespresented by at least one virtual teller within the home bank branch,and multiple transaction options available accessible through visual andaudio input from the user. The method additionally includes sensing uservoice input into the interactive virtual banking environment using auser input sensing mechanism for accepting and interpreting user voiceinput received in the interactive virtual banking environment. Inresponse to the input, the method includes accessing one of the storedbanking application programs upon receiving a user selection of abanking transaction and executing the accessed banking program withinthe generative interactive virtual banking environment enabling the userto perform banking tasks through voice input to the interactive virtualbanking environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to theattached drawings figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an operating environment for aninteractive virtual banking system in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of the interactivevirtual banking system and an exemplary process flow between thecomponents in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a user environment connected withan interactive virtual banking system in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary virtual bankingapplications in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a hologram generator usable in conjunction withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a customization method in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing virtualbanking services in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for account holderinteraction in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 9A-9F are renderings of an interactive virtual environment inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and systemfor facilitating interactive remote banking using a realistic virtualimage and varied input options including voice input. The system enablesaccount holders to address banking needs with minimal effort from anylocation.

The interactive experience may implement hologram or other technology toprovide a three-dimensional display of components of a banking system.For example, the display may include multiple bank branches, single bankbranches, a teller, or other components that the user would encounterduring the “in-person” experience. Embodiments of the invention relateto an interactive banking experience that can be utilized by users froma remote location. The interactive banking experience may be providedthrough any suitable visual and audio interactive equipment, such as forexample, personal computers, kiosks, or televisions.

Embodiments of the system provide users with private bank branches withno lines and a customized visual experience. Once in the bank branch,the user can open a door and decide where to go. For instance, the usermay approach a teller window, a loan officer, or a sales office. Inembodiments of the invention, users may interact with actual bankpersonnel through the provisions of a live transaction option that maybe incorporated through live video chat or other technology.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an operating environment for aninteractive virtual banking system 200 in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. The interactive virtual banking system 200 may beconnected over a network 10 with multiple systems including a centraloffer engine 20, merchant servers 30, databases 40, and accountprocessing systems 40, and other external systems. Account holderenvironments 100 may also be connected over the network and may includemultiple account holder systems 110, 120 . . . 130. Account holders mayadditionally be referenced herein as “users”. In some cases, users maynot be required to be account holders, but may be individuals opting tointeracting with the interactive virtual banking environment.

The network 10 may the Internet, an Intranet, Extranet, Ethernet, or anyother system that provides communications. Some suitable communicationsprotocols may include TCP/IP, UDP, or OSI for example. For wirelesscommunications, communications protocols may include Bluetooth, Zigbee,IrDa or other suitable protocol. Furthermore, components of the systemmay communicate through a combination of wired or wireless paths.Wireless data connections used in mobile computing may take a multipleforms. Cellular data service uses technologies including such as 3Gnetworks and 4G networks. These networks are usually available withinrange of commercial cell towers. Wi-Fi connections may offer higherperformance, but have limited range, Some enterprise deployments combinenetworks from multiple cellular networks or use a mix of cellular, Wi-Fiand satellite. Although one network is shown, a larger number ofnetworks may be provided. All of the system components may communicateover a single network, such as the Internet, or over multiple networks,with the interactive virtual banking system 200.

The interactive virtual banking system 200 may be facilitated through acomputer implemented application available over a network such as theInternet or alternatively through television service providers, such asVerizon and Comcast for providing a television application that wouldenable a user to perform any banking tasks from the user's television.

The interactive virtual banking system 200 provides system users with arealistic interactive experience in real time. The details of theinteractive virtual banking system 200 are further described inconnection with FIGS. 2-5.

The central offer engine 20 generates offers for system users. The offerengine 20 may be a pre-existing component of a banking system thatprovides offers based on monitored user behavior. For example, users mayengage in various purchasing activities or account activities that causeoffers to be generated. When users enter the virtual bank branch theymay see offers generated by the central offer engine 20.

The merchant servers 30 may be linked to the interactive virtual bankingsystem 200 in order to fully integrate the user purchasing experience.The merchant servers 30 may be linked to Point of Sale (POS) devicesthat transmit purchase information. POS terminals may be disposed at thelocation where a transaction occurs. A POS terminal may refer to thehardware and software used for checkouts. A retail POS system typicallyincludes a computer, monitor, cash drawer, receipt printer, user displayand a barcode scanner, and a debit/credit card reader. It can alsoinclude a weight scale, integrated credit card processing system, asignature capture device and a user pin pad device. Many POS monitorsuse touch-screen technology for ease of use and a computer is built into the monitor chassis for what is referred to as an all-in-one unit.The POS system software can typically handle a myriad of user basedfunctions such as sales, returns, exchanges, layaways, gift cards, giftregistries, user loyalty programs, and quantity discounts. Partners mayinclude, for example, travel partners, such airlines, hotels, or rentalcars, dining partners, entertainment partners, or partners marketingother goods or services.

In embodiments of the invention, the interactive virtual banking system200 may be utilized to partner with the merchant servers 30. Forexample, the user may be car shopping and may browse through a car lotprovided on the three dimensional display. After the user selects a carthrough providing input by grabbing the keys for a particular vehicleand having this motion sensed, or by verbal indication, the system mayprovide the user with a next screen for applying for a car loan. Such asystem may be implemented with any type of merchant partner throughmerchant server 30. With other types of merchants, the user may beprovided with a pre-approved credit card offer on the three dimensionaldisplay after reaching out to grab a particular available item. The usermay complete the credit card application through the same system andultimately may also pay for the purchase through the same system.

Databases 40 may store information pertaining to the users in thesystem. The information may include, for example, demographicinformation, account data, purchasing behaviors, or other information.

Account processing systems 40 may include pre-existing accountprocessing systems associated with a financial institution. For example,the account processing systems 40 may process transactions for debit,credit, checking, or savings accounts.

Other external systems 60 may also communicate with the interactivevirtual banking system 200.

Account holder systems 110, 120 . . . 130 preferably encompass auniverse of each user's connected devices. An exemplary account holdersystem 300 is illustrated and further described below in connection withFIG. 3. However, it should be understood and the type and number ofconnected devices may be virtually unlimited and may encompass bothpublic and private devices to which the users do not have exclusiveaccess.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of the interactivevirtual banking system 200 and an exemplary process flow between thecomponents in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Theinteractive virtual banking system 200 may include, for example, anotification engine 210, external systems interface 220, customizationengine 230, virtual banking applications 260, virtual environmentgenerator 250, and user input sensing engine 240. It should beunderstood that although these components are shown as separatecomponents communicating with one another, software components such asbanking applications 260 may be stored by a computer memory and accessedand executed by a computer processor in operation. While the computerprocessing components and computer memory are not shown separately,their functionality is integrated with the components shown and they arefully described herein.

External systems 270 and account processing systems 280 may communicatewith the interactive virtual banking system 200 through the externalsystems interface 220. The interactive virtual banking system 200 mayalso communicate with a user environment 100 including account holdersystems 110, 120, . . . 130.

The notification engine 210 may include a software module executed by acomputer processor in order to notify a system user of various events.Those events may include for example, account activity, includingpossible fraudulent activity, special offers, payment reminders, ornotification of other approaching deadlines. The notification engine mayprocess input such as user purchases or user daily activities in orderto select special offers. The notification engine 210 may further sensewhether a user owes money and route that user to a collections officerwithin the interactive virtual banking system 200. The collectionsofficer may advise the user that the user is behind on a payment andmake arrangements for collection. The notification engine 210 may alsoprovide notification if fraud is suspected. The virtual bankrepresentative may ask a user if he or she knows the person using theaccount. System equipment enables photographs and biometricmeasurements, such as fingerprints, for security so that suspiciousactivity can be detected. The notification engine 210 may receiveinformation through the external systems interface 220 and transmitalerts through the virtual environment generator 250 or alternativelymay transmit alerts outside of the virtual environment when appropriate.

The external systems interface 220 may accept input and send output toexternal systems that operate cooperatively with the interactive virtualbanking system 200. As set forth respect to FIG. 1, the external systemsmay include merchant systems, banking systems such as account processingsystems, databases, fraud monitoring systems and any other systemscapable of communication with the interactive virtual banking system200.

The customization engine 230 may include software modules stored incomputer memory and executed by a computer processor that allow systemusers to customize their virtual environments. For example, system usersmay select avatars to represent themselves within the environment. Theavatars may be displayed in the three dimensional environmentinteracting with bank personnel and performing banking tasks. Systemusers may select a particular bank branch, or a particular region,country, or language in which the banking experience can be conducted.However, in embodiments of the invention, system users or customers arenot represented by avatars. Rather, the users, can walk through orotherwise negotiate a virtual environment that may include avatars, suchas avatars that represent banking personnel. Further, the user maycustomize bank branch representations or allow a default to customizethe branch in accordance with the user's location. Customization optionsoffered to the user may include various aesthetics that conform to thebranding of the financial institution, yet allow variation of furniture,wall appearance, decor, teller representations, etc. Users may be ableto select particular themes, such as “tropical”, “ski vacation”,“Gothic”, “Classical”, etc. Furthermore, the customization engine 230may enable the user to restrict the system to following voice commandsfrom a particular person. For example, if the user has children present,the user may instruct the system to ignore the children's voices.Similarly, the customization engine 230 could be instructed to providesmaller avatars to interact with the children, either to keep themoccupied or to educate them regarding banking and savings accounts.Particular age groups may be targeted, such as teenagers, to educatethose who may not normally bank. The customization engine 230 mayfurther store a sequence of introductory scenes to be displayed to theuser prior to the selection of a particular virtual banking application260. The customization engine 230 may receive input from the user inputsensing engine 240 and send output to the virtual environment generator250. The introductory scenes may be displayed to show partner portals,such that users may interact with partners directly through the virtualbanking environment.

The customization engine 230 may also operate to customized and providelive offers from the virtual banking environment when a user isutilizing a partner or other merchant application. This use may bedetected by currently known techniques. If a user is shopping for cars,the virtual bank may offer a financing link which will enable the userto link the auto purchasing and auto financing experiences. Thefinancing experience may bring the user into the virtual bank. Thesecustomized offers may be provided by the notification engine 210.

The virtual banking applications 260 may include various applicationsfor performing banking tasks. The virtual environment generator 250 orother computer processor may access these applications from the computermemory in order to manipulate the interactive virtual environment inaccordance with banking transaction requirements. The virtualenvironment generator 250 may vary depending on the user's location. Ifthe user is at home, for an optimal experience, the user may implement ahologram generator, which displays the virtual environment as dictatedby execution of the virtual banking applications 260. The hologramexperience provides a three dimensional real-time experience and isfurther described below in connection with FIG. 5. However, in otherembodiments of the invention, the virtual environment generator 250 mayoperate in order to be compatible with a home computing device, handheldcomputing device, or public computing device. For handheld device, theenvironment is typically miniaturized. However, if the device iscapable, the system may offer the option of projecting the virtualenvironment from the handheld device onto a larger surface. Furthermore,the virtual environment may be generated for display on a largeinteractive screen, such as an Iwall. The virtual environment generator250 is operative regardless of user location. However, it may measurelight and provide different ways to interact if too much light ispresent for hologram interaction. The virtual environment generator 250may also provide miniaturization both for handheld devices and forprivate modes of operation when requested by a user.

The user input sensing engine 240 operates to process user input inorder to conduct banking transactions. The input may take various formsand preferably includes tactile or touch input and voice input. Theinput may also be keyboard input, motion input, and for the purpose ofsecurity monitoring, may include retinal input or thumbprint input. Theuser input sensing engine 240 is operational to sense any input that maybe provided from user interface tools on any devices connected withineach user system. As used herein, the user input sensing mechanism 240may includes any hardware, software, or combination of hardware andsoftware used by the processing machine that allows a user to interactwith the computer processor or processing machine.

In embodiments of the invention, the virtual environment generator 250may provide different doors for the user to walk through to seedifferent information or services. These doors may include differentportals, such as partner portals for linking to various partners, suchas travel partners, educational partners, entertainment partners, ordining partners. In accordance with the functionality of thecustomization engine 230 described above, the partner portals mayinclude those partners with which the user frequently conducts business.The branches and other portals may include touch sensitive signs andbanners. Touching of the banners by a system user is detected by theuser input sensing engine 240 and may prompt a response from an avatarwithin the system. The interactive experience also preferably providesboth voice sensing and motion sensing capabilities. For example, whenthe user is standing in front of a bank branch, the user may reach outto open the door of the branch. Motion sensing technology wouldcommunicate with the interactive application to open the door to thebranch on the three-dimensional display and to provide the user with aninternal view of the bank branch. Alternatively, the user may say “Enterthe bank” to cause the application to respond in the same manner. Thus,in a real time embodiment, the user may be able to see the bank branchin its current state to determine if the branch is open or if it iscrowded, should the user want to visit the bank branch in person.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user environment 300connected with the interactive virtual banking system 200 in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the userenvironment 300 may include mobile devices 310, home devices 320, officedevices 330, and public devices 340. Additional systems and devices mayalso be incorporated in the user environment.

Mobile devices 310 may include various known mobile computing devices,which also may be referenced as handheld devices, handheld computers orsimply handhelds. These may be pocket-sized computing devices, typicallyhaving a display screen with touch input and/or a miniature keyboard. Inthe case of the personal digital assistant (PDA), the input and outputare often combined into a touch-screen interface. The mobile devices 310may also be or include Iphones, Ipads, net books, E-readers, tabletcomputers or other devices. Typically these devices are also equippedwith cameras or other imaging devices.

Home devices 320 and office devices 330 may include any standardcomputing equipment implemented in homes and offices. Additionally,users may implement more sophisticated computing equipment to obtain thefull benefit of the interactive virtual banking experience offeredthrough the system. For example, users may implement large touchscreens, supplemental holographic equipment, motion sensing equipment,voice recognition units (VRUs), or other technologies.

Public devices 340 may include any publicly available computing devices,such as large touch screens available, for example, in hotel lobbies andtrain stations. In preferred embodiments of the invention, users will beable to customize to enable different modes for public computingequipment and private computing equipment.

The interactive virtual banking system 200 can implement computerhardware and software specifically designed for the delivery of cloudservices, including multi-core processors, cloud-specific operatingsystems and combined offerings. Cloud computing provides computation,software, data access, and storage services that do not require end-userknowledge of the physical location and configuration of the system thatdelivers the services. This implementation of the cloud computingconcept provides a technique for increasing capacity investing in newinfrastructure or training new personnel.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating illustrative virtual bankingapplication programs 260 in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. The virtual banking applications may include for example amortgage loan application 261, a partner linking application program264, an auto loan application 263, credit account application 265,savings account application 262, checking account application 267, andinvestment account application 269. All of these application programsmay leverage existing applications that are used for example, instandard online application processing. They may include modificationsor interface with plug-ins that adapt them for use with the interactivevirtual environment.

The mortgage loan application 261 may provide information to the virtualenvironment generator 250 in order to perform the appropriate steps forobtaining a mortgage loan. Through the virtual environment generator250, an avatar may be displayed to represent a mortgage loan officer tointeract with the user or the user's avatar. The mortgage loanapplication program 261 enables the system to perform the steps ofobtaining and approving information in the appropriate order in order tosecure the mortgage loan for the user. The loan officer may receive muchof the necessary application input orally from the user so that it isnot necessary for the user to type out a full application. The auto loanapplication program 263 may provide similar servicing for an auto loan.Visual representation of a home or car, or a portion thereof, forexample, the percentage owned by the user, could be provided for visualenhancement. Additional programs, applications or sub routines mayaccept payments and questions from users after the loans have beencompleted. Further applications may include an ATM interactiveapplication program that allows users to interact with an ATM interfacein order to make transfers or check balances.

The partner linking application program 264 may provide information tothe virtual environment generator on how to represent or access partnerweb sites or environments. As set forth above, partner portals may begenerated in a customized manner.

The credit account application program 265 may provide information tothe virtual environment generator 250 including a program or programsexecuted to open an account, make payments, dispute payments, inquireabout charges, or utilize credit rewards.

The savings account application 262 and the checking account application267 may likewise provide information to the virtual environmentgenerator 250 including a program or programs executed to open anaccount, make deposits, withdrawals, write checks, check balances, andtransfer funds.

The investment account application 269 may likewise provide informationto the virtual environment generator 250 including a program or programsexecuted to open the account, to redistribute funds, to check returns,and to ask questions.

In some instances, users may be able to fully complete transactions inthe virtual environment. For example, a user may request cash, thevirtual environment may be unable to deliver the cash. Similarly, othergoods or services may be requested that cannot be transmitted throughthe virtual environment. Accordingly, the application programs may offerdelivery or “will-call” options through which users can obtain thesegoods or services.

FIG. 5 illustrates a hologram generator 510 usable in conjunction withembodiments of the invention. As set forth above, in embodiments of theinvention, the virtual environment generator generates a hologram thatappears as a three dimensional interactive environment. A laser 510projects light beams towards grating 520. The light passing through thegrating 520 encounters multiple parallel AOMs acousto-optic modulators(AOMs). From the AOMs 530, the light hits a system of mirrors includinga vertical scanning system 540 and a horizontal scanning system 550. Theoperation of such a system to produce 3-Dimensional images is currentlyknown in the art and is disclosed more fully, for example in “Real-TimeHolographic Video images with commodity PC hardware” by Bove, Michael V.Jr., Wendy J. Plesniak, Tyeler Quentmeyer, and James Barabas, in ProcSPIE, 5664, 255 (2005). Other known holography techniques mayalternatively be implemented.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a customization method in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. The method begins in S600 and thesystem provides an interactive virtual environment in S610. In S612, thesystem may offer customization options through the interactive virtualenvironment. The customization options may alter subsequent imagespresented in the interactive virtual environment. For example, thecustomization options may allow the user to pick an avatar to representhis or herself and further to pick a home bank branch. The user mayadditionally be offered choice of language for interacting with otheravatars, such as bank tellers within the interactive virtualenvironment. If the user chooses to customize in S614, the systemprovides a user interface accepting the input in S620 and adjusts theinteractive virtual environment to arrive at the customized environmentin S630. If in S614, the user does not choose to customize, the systemreverts to a default virtual environment. Typically, the default virtualenvironment will include a user's home bank branch as determined basedon stored data. If an avatar is used to represent the user, the avatarmay be selected appropriate to the user's age and gender as determinedbased on stored data. The avatars representing branch tellers may beconstructed to resemble the tellers at the selected branch.

In operation, when the user further interacts with the system, either aselected customized interface or the default interface will be presentedin S640. In S650, the user will accept input and process transactionswhile maintaining the selected virtual environment through the entireprocess until the process ends in S670. While FIG. 6 proposes onecustomization process, it should be recognized that other customizationprocesses can be used.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing virtualbanking services in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Themethod begins in S700 and the interactive virtual environment presentschoices to the user in S710. For example, the interactive virtualenvironment may provide options for filling out a loan application,performing simple banking tasks for checking or savings accounts, oraltering distribution of funds in an investment account. As explainedabove, these choices may be offered by presenting the user with arendering of a bank branch, with multiple doors, banners, tellers, etc.The rendering is optimally touch sensitive and responds to voicecommands. In S720, the system receives a user choice and S730, thesystem retrieves the appropriate application for interacting with theuser. In S740, the system provides the interactive virtual environmentand in S750, the system interacts with the user to complete tasks inreal time within the interactive virtual environment by executing theappropriate application within the customized or default virtualenvironment. The method ends in S760.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for account holderinteraction in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Themethod of FIG. 8 may be implemented, for example, when an account holderenters his home. The method begins in S800 and in S810, the systemdetects user presence and synchronizes the devices within the userenvironment, such that the entire system if updated. As part ofsynchronization, the system may greet the user and provide updates basedon the time of day, day of the week, calendar, or other preferences. InS820, the system determines if any alerts are available to the user.Alerts may include notification of credit card activity, of bankwithdrawals, or of special offers available to the user. If the alert isavailable in S820, the system may provide the alert in S830. Forexample, the system may tell the user “You have an alert from your bank,would you like to play it now?” The user may then elect to play thealert or to hear it at a later time. Typically, the user election may bemade vocally, with the system using known voice recognition technology.

If no alert is available, the system may provide a home interface inS840, which may be the user's bank branch or other selected homeinterface. In S850, the system interacts with the account holder byreacting to the account holder's voice or touch or other type of input.The method ends in S860.

FIGS. 9A-9F are renderings of an interactive virtual environment inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. In the displayedembodiment, the user is not represented by an avatar. Rather, the useris pictured in the virtual banking environment making selections throughvoice and touch sensitive input mechanisms. FIG. 9A illustrates a user'shome environment 900, which, in embodiments of the invention, he maygenerate using his voice or by gesture within his home. The user 920 mayactivate the interactive virtual environment 900 to include account data910 so that he can transfer funds between accounts or perform analternative function. All of the familiar confines of the user's homebank branch may appear in the user's living room.

FIG. 9B illustrates an interactive virtual environment 902 that includesa special message 910 for the user 920. The special message indicatesthat auto financing is available for as little as 2.25%. The user 920has been considering buying a car and selects “apply now” to apply for aloan.

FIG. 9C illustrates an interactive virtual environment 903 transformedin response to the request to apply for an auto loan. More specifically,the user environment switches from a teller window to the loan officers.The user 920 is shown a queue 910 of live loan officers available totalk with him and help him complete his application. He may be able topreview a video identifying the loan officers including, their names,hometowns, short biography, and areas of expertise. The user 920 then isable to select one of the available loan officers.

FIG. 9D illustrates an interactive virtual environment in which the loanofficer 910 is shown. The user 920 discusses the available rates andapplication process with the loan officer. The loan officer finalizeshis application. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the user isnot required to write or type. The loan officer 910 hands the user 920 afinal draft of the application for review.

FIG. 9E illustrates an interactive virtual environment 906 in which theuser 920 has used his mobile device to transfer is information to asurface to appear three dimensionally around him. The information inthis instance is projected on the back of the glass of a taxi cab. Theinformation may be retinally secure, so only the user can see it. He maybe able to see, for example, a summary of transactions from the lastfive days.

FIG. 9F shows a message 908 on a handheld device 912 that thanks theuser for applying for an auto loan and offers him a free lunch. Themessage provides a code that he can use for food by providing it to thecashier.

The system of the invention or portions of the system of the inventionmay be in the form of a “processing machine,” i.e. a tangibly embodiedmachine, such as a general purpose computer or a special purposecomputer, for example. As used herein, the term “processing machine” isto be understood to include at least one processor that uses at leastone memory. The at least one memory stores a set of instructions. Theinstructions may be either permanently or temporarily stored in thememory or memories of the processing machine. The processor executes theinstructions that are stored in the memory or memories in order toprocess data. The set of instructions may include various instructionsthat perform a particular task or tasks, such as any of the processingas described herein. Such a set of instructions for performing aparticular task may be characterized as a program, software program, orsimply software.

As noted above, the processing machine, which may be constituted, forexample, by the particular system and/or systems described above,executes the instructions that are stored in the memory or memories toprocess data. This processing of data may be in response to commands bya user or users of the processing machine, in response to previousprocessing, in response to a request by another processing machineand/or any other input, for example. As noted above, the processingmachine used to implement the invention may be a general purposecomputer. However, the processing machine described above may alsoutilize (or be in the form of) any of a wide variety of othertechnologies including a special purpose computer, a computer systemincluding a microcomputer, mini-computer or mainframe for example, aprogrammed microprocessor, a micro-controller, a peripheral integratedcircuit element, a CSIC (Consumer Specific Integrated Circuit) or ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other integrated circuit, alogic circuit, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic devicesuch as a FPGA, PLD, PLA or PAL, or any other device or arrangement ofdevices that is capable of implementing the steps of the processes ofthe invention.

The processing machine used to implement the invention may utilize asuitable operating system. Thus, embodiments of the invention mayinclude a processing machine running the Microsoft Windows™ Vista™operating system, the Microsoft Windows™ XP™ operating system, theMicrosoft Windows™ NT™ operating system, the Windows™ 2000 operatingsystem, the Unix operating system, the Linux operating system, the Xenixoperating system, the IBM AIX™ operating system, the Hewlett-Packard UX™operating system, the Novell Netware™ operating system, the SunMicrosystems Solaris™ operating system, the OS/2™ operating system, theBeOS™ operating system, the Macintosh operating system, the Apacheoperating system, an OpenStep™ operating system or another operatingsystem or platform.

It is appreciated that in order to practice the method of the inventionas described above, it is not necessary that the processors and/or thememories of the processing machine be physically located in the samegeographical place. That is, each of the processors and the memoriesused by the processing machine may be located in geographically distinctlocations and connected so as to communicate in any suitable manner.Additionally, it is appreciated that each of the processor and/or thememory may be composed of different physical pieces of equipment.Accordingly, it is not necessary that the processor be one single pieceof equipment in one location and that the memory be another single pieceof equipment in another location. That is, it is contemplated that theprocessor may be two pieces of equipment in two different physicallocations. The two distinct pieces of equipment may be connected in anysuitable manner. Additionally, the memory may include two or moreportions of memory in two or more physical locations.

To explain further, processing as described above is performed byvarious components and various memories. However, it is appreciated thatthe processing performed by two distinct components as described abovemay, in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, beperformed by a single component. Further, the processing performed byone distinct component as described above may be performed by twodistinct components. In a similar manner, the memory storage performedby two distinct memory portions as described above may, in accordancewith a further embodiment of the invention, be performed by a singlememory portion. Further, the memory storage performed by one distinctmemory portion as described above may be performed by two memoryportions.

Further, various technologies may be used to provide communicationbetween the various processors and/or memories, as well as to allow theprocessors and/or the memories of the invention to communicate with anyother entity; i.e., so as to obtain further instructions or to accessand use remote memory stores, for example. Such technologies used toprovide such communication might include a network, the Internet,Intranet, Extranet, LAN, an Ethernet, or any client server system thatprovides communication, for example. Such communications technologiesmay use any suitable protocol such as TCP/IP, UDP, or OSI, for example.

As described above, a set of instructions is used in the processing ofthe invention. The set of instructions may be in the form of a programor software. The software may be in the form of system software orapplication software, for example. The software might also be in theform of a collection of separate programs, a program module within alarger program, or a portion of a program module, for example. Thesoftware used might also include modular programming in the form ofobject oriented programming. The software tells the processing machinewhat to do with the data being processed.

Further, it is appreciated that the instructions or set of instructionsused in the implementation and operation of the invention may be in asuitable form such that the processing machine may read theinstructions. For example, the instructions that form a program may bein the form of a suitable programming language, which is converted tomachine language or object code to allow the processor or processors toread the instructions. That is, written lines of programming code orsource code, in a particular programming language, are converted tomachine language using a compiler, assembler or interpreter. The machinelanguage is binary coded machine instructions that are specific to aparticular type of processing machine, i.e., to a particular type ofcomputer, for example. The computer understands the machine language.

Any suitable programming language may be used in accordance with thevarious embodiments of the invention. Illustratively, the programminglanguage used may include assembly language, Ada, APL, Basic, C, C++,COBOL, dBase, Forth, Fortran, Java, Modula-2, Pascal, Prolog, REXX,Visual Basic, and/or JavaScript, for example. Further, it is notnecessary that a single type of instructions or single programminglanguage be utilized in conjunction with the operation of the system andmethod of the invention. Rather, any number of different programminglanguages may be utilized as is necessary or desirable.

Also, the instructions and/or data used in the practice of the inventionmay utilize any compression or encryption technique or algorithm, as maybe desired. An encryption module might be used to encrypt data. Further,files or other data may be decrypted using a suitable decryption module,for example.

As described above, the invention may illustratively be embodied in theform of a processing machine, including a computer or computer system,for example, that includes at least one memory. It is to be appreciatedthat the set of instructions, i.e., the software for example, whichenables the computer operating system to perform the operationsdescribed above may be contained on any of a wide variety of media ormedium, as desired. Further, the data that is processed by the set ofinstructions might also be contained on any of a wide variety of mediaor medium. That is, the particular medium, i.e., the memory in theprocessing machine, utilized to hold the set of instructions and/or thedata used in the invention may take on any of a variety of physicalforms or transmissions, for example. Illustratively, the medium may bein the form of paper, paper transparencies, a compact disk, a DVD, anintegrated circuit, a hard disk, a floppy disk, an optical disk, amagnetic tape, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM, a EPROM, a wire, a cable, a fiber,communications channel, a satellite transmissions or other remotetransmission, as well as any other medium or source of data that may beread by the processors of the invention.

Further, the memory or memories used in the processing machine thatimplements the invention may be in any of a wide variety of forms toallow the memory to hold instructions, data, or other information, as isdesired. Thus, the memory might be in the form of a database to holddata. The database might use any desired arrangement of files such as aflat file arrangement or a relational database arrangement, for example.

In the system and method of the invention, a variety of “userinterfaces” may be utilized to allow a user to interface with theprocessing machine or machines that are used to implement the invention.As used herein, a user interface includes any hardware, software, orcombination of hardware and software used by the processing machine thatallows a user to interact with the processing machine. A user interfacemay be in the form of a dialogue screen for example. A user interfacemay also include any of a mouse, touch screen, keyboard, voice reader,voice recognizer, dialogue screen, menu box, list, checkbox, toggleswitch, a pushbutton or any other device that allows a user to receiveinformation regarding the operation of the processing machine as itprocesses a set of instructions and/or provide the processing machinewith information. Accordingly, the user interface is any device thatprovides communication between a user and a processing machine. Theinformation provided by the user to the processing machine through theuser interface may be in the form of a command, a selection of data, orsome other input, for example.

As discussed above, a user interface is utilized by the processingmachine that performs a set of instructions such that the processingmachine processes data for a user. The user interface is typically usedby the processing machine for interacting with a user either to conveyinformation or receive information from the user. However, it should beappreciated that in accordance with some embodiments of the system andmethod of the invention, it is not necessary that a human user actuallyinteract with a user interface used by the processing machine of theinvention. Rather, it is also contemplated that the user interface ofthe invention might interact, i.e., convey and receive information, withanother processing machine, rather than a human user. Accordingly, theother processing machine might be characterized as a user. Further, itis contemplated that a user interface utilized in the system and methodof the invention may interact partially with another processing machineor processing machines, while also interacting partially with a humanuser.

It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art thatthe present invention is susceptible to broad utility and application.Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other thanthose herein described, as well as many variations, modifications andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and foregoing description thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described here indetail in relation to its exemplary embodiments, it is to be understoodthat this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the presentinvention and is made to provide an enabling disclosure of theinvention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is not intended to beconstrued or to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude anyother such embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications andequivalent arrangements.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, togetherwith other advantages, which are obvious and inherent to the system andmethod. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinationsare of utility and may be employed without reference to other featuresand sub-combinations. This is contemplated and within the scope of theappended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented interactive virtualbanking system for connecting a user environment, including an accountholder computing system, with a banking environment for facilitatingbanking transactions, the system comprising: a computer memory disposedwithin the interactive virtual banking system and storing a plurality ofprograms including banking application programs; an interactive virtualenvironment generator for generating an interactive virtual bankingenvironment, the interactive virtual banking environment includingvisual and audio components depicting a rendering of a bank branch; auser input sensing system for accepting and interpreting user inputreceived in the interactive virtual banking environment generated by theinteractive virtual environment generator, wherein the sensing systemsenses a user presence in the interactive virtual banking environmentand synchronizes all user devices upon sensing the user presence; andcomputer processing components for accessing the stored programsincluding the banking application programs and executing the storedprograms to perform steps including; providing customization optionsallowing the user to enter input to select customized features of a bankbranch within the generated interactive virtual banking environment;providing a rendering of multiple portals for the customized bank branchwithin the generated interactive virtual banking environment, themultiple portals each associated with different services; sensing userinput through the user input sensing mechanism, the user inputrequesting entry into one of the multiple portals; responsive to theuser input, selecting and retrieving an application from the computermemory; and providing the interactive application, over the Internet tothe account holder computing system, for allowing the user to receivethe service associated with the selected portal in the customizedinteractive virtual banking environment.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the portals include renderings of a teller window, a loanofficer, and a sales office.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein theportals provide live transaction options through video chat.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein at least one of the multiple portals is apartner portal providing access to a merchant service available from amerchant partner of the bank branch.
 5. The system of claim 1, whereinthe customization options enable the user to customize at least a spokenlanguage within the interactive virtual banking environment.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the customization options enablecustomization of a user avatar within the interactive virtual bankingenvironment.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the user input sensingsystem accepts tactile input and voice input from the user within theinteractive virtual banking environment.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the user input sensing system senses motion of the user withinthe interactive virtual banking environment.
 9. The system of claim 1,further including an external systems interface for receiving customizedoffers from a central offer engine and providing the customized offerswithin the interactive virtual banking environment.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a notification engine for providing bankingalerts to the user within the interactive virtual banking environment.11. The system of claim 1, wherein the interactive virtual bankingenvironment comprises audio cues presented by at least one virtualteller within the home bank branch.
 12. The system of claim 11, whereinthe interactive virtual banking environment comprises multipletransaction options available accessible through visual and audio inputfrom the user.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the rendering is athree dimensional holographic rendering.
 14. The system of claim 1,wherein the rendering is projected from a device to a surface area. 15.The system of claim 1, wherein the virtual environment generatorgenerates a default bank branch in the interactive virtual bankingenvironment when the user does not customize the bank branch, thedefault bank branch comprising a home bank branch.
 16. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the customization options further facilitate generationof interactive offers from partner merchants for display in the virtualinteractive banking environment.
 17. A computer-implemented interactivevirtual banking method for connecting a user environment, including anaccount holder computing system, with a banking environment forfacilitating banking transactions, the method comprising: storing aplurality of programs including banking application programs in acomputer memory; generating an interactive virtual banking environmentusing a virtual environment generator, the interactive virtual bankingenvironment including visual and audio components and a rendering of abank branch selected by the user; sensing user input into theinteractive virtual banking environment using a user input sensingsystem for accepting and interpreting user input received in theinteractive virtual banking environment generated by the interactivevirtual environment generator, wherein the sensing system senses a userpresence in the interactive virtual banking environment and synchronizesall user devices upon sensing the user presence; and accessing thestored programs including banking application programs and executing thestored programs using a computer processor to perform steps including;providing customization options allowing the user to enter input toselect customized features of a bank branch within the generatedinteractive virtual banking environment; providing a rendering ofmultiple portals for the customized bank branch within the generatedinteractive virtual banking environment, the multiple portals eachassociated with different services; sensing user input through the userinput sensing mechanism, the user input requesting entry into one of themultiple portals; responsive to the user input, selecting and retrievingan application from the computer memory; and providing the interactiveapplication over the Internet to the account holder computing system,for allowing the user to receive the service associated with theselected portal in the customized interactive virtual bankingenvironment.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the portals includerenderings of a teller window, a loan officer, and a sales office. 19.The system of claim 18, wherein the portals provide live transactionoptions through video chat.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein at leastone of the multiple portals is a partner portal providing access to amerchant service available from a merchant partner of the bank branch.21. The method of claim 17, wherein the customization options enable theuser to customize at least a spoken language within the interactivevirtual banking environment.
 22. The method of claim 17, wherein thecustomization options enable customization of a user avatar within theinteractive virtual banking environment.
 23. The method of claim 17,further comprising accepting tactile input and voice input from the userwithin the interactive virtual banking environment.
 24. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising sensing motion of the user within theinteractive virtual banking environment.
 25. The method of claim 17,further receiving customized offers through an external systemsinterface from a central offer engine and providing the customizedoffers within the interactive virtual banking environment.
 26. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising providing banking alerts to theuser within the interactive virtual banking environment.
 27. The methodof claim 17, wherein the interactive virtual environment comprises audiocues presented by at least one virtual teller within the home bankbranch.
 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising generating, inthe interactive virtual banking environment, multiple transactionoptions available accessible through visual and audio input from theuser.
 29. The method of claim 17, wherein the rendering is a threedimensional holographic rendering.
 30. The system of claim 17, whereinthe rendering is projected from a device to a surface area.
 31. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising generating a default bank branchin the interactive virtual banking environment when the user does notcustomize the bank branch, the default bank branch comprising a homebank branch.
 32. The method of claim 17, further comprising generatinginteractive offers from partner merchants for display in the virtualinteractive banking environment.